10.31.2011

Well, I have done it. I have procrastinated until I can procrastinate no more. November first is less than two hours away and still haven’t done my outline. I told myself, self this year you are going to write an outline, you are going to be super prepared and utterly successful. Yeah, didn’t happen.

I still plan to complete the nanowrimo 50,000 word challenge. However, I’m adding an extra challenge for myself to write outside my normal genre and in the ultra popular paranormal genre. I know, I feel like I’m setting myself up for disaster too. Everyone has to start somewhere though, right?

Nevertheless, I still feel somewhat prepared and ready for this writing challenge. I have my idea, my main characters, my main plot (somewhat) the rest will come. Here’s to hope. Welcome November! Are you ready?

I missed the Blogger Hop on Friday but I wanted to share my favorite Halloween costume. Last year, the hubs and I dressed up as vampires!!

It was so much fun!

This year the goal was too lose weight so that I could look good in this costume
but it didn't happen so this year we are watching scary movies, handing out candy and taking the kid Trick or Treating. He's going as Darth Vader.

For the second year in a row, he has chosen a character from Star Wars. Last year he was Anakin Skywalker. He loves his Star Wars. We are all about the holidays over here. Yes, we celebrate Halloween. I can't believe how many people aren't celebrating it anymore. When we were kids, everyone went trick or treating. Oh well, we will be out tonight!

In honor of Breaking Dawn: Part 1 being released Nov. 18th (YAY!! Three more weeks!) I've decided to review the Twilight Saga.

Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife—between desire and danger. Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.

I must admit although I'm a huge Twilight fan, this book didn't suck me in initially. In fact, I started it then put it down for a few months it wasn't until one of my friends said ,'OMG, you haven't read Twilight/New Moon/Eclipse/Breaking Dawn, they are awesome. Girl, you have to read them!" Yeah, I was late to the party. However, once I got into them, I got into them. Stephanie is great at character development. I felt like I knew Bella inside and out. So much so that I knew how she would respond to situations before they happened. Like the book or not, that is great character development. This book is written from Bella's perspective and I enjoy getting into the details of the characters everyday lives. It builds them up and makes them real. I enjoyed following Bella from her old life in AZ into not only this new city Forks but a whole new world (OK, that sounded very Disney but you get what I am saying). However, I was never an Edward fan, not in Book One, not in Book Two, and so on. In fact, I've been Team Jacob from day one. It was something about Edward's attitude that was a turn off. He was just too perfect in Bella's eyes. I just wanted one moment for her to be like, 'maybe he isn't all that,' but it never happened. I understood her falling for the dangerous, weird, yet incredibly handsome vampire dude but he like 100 and something, he should have known better. I do understand how it would intrigue a young impressionable girl which is who we are dealing with here. You have to keep it all in perspective. As a teenager would I have been into that guy or the nerdy young son of my dad's best friend? I think not. Bring on the sexy danger guy. There was much debate about this book being antifemist or teaching the young girls the wrong lesson but this is just entertainment. This book was an entertaining beginning to a saga. It finally sucked me in and I read through all four back to back. This book did exactly what it should, it set up the characters very well, introduced the conflict, the angst, the drama then lead you to the next book. There wasn't a lot of action in this book but that is to be expected of a first book.

Conclusion, there are just as many Twilight lovers as haters. I'm in the lover category. I was entertained. I didn't dissect the grammar, sentence structure, writing style and all that. I just enjoyed the book for what it was. It's a sensation for a reason and I loved it!

If you would like see how Edward felt about Bella's arrival and their first encounters, click here to read partial Midnight Sun draft. It's Twilight written from Edward perspective. After reading that, I understand these two were made for each other. Check it out.

10.25.2011

Tune in Tuesday is hosted by Ginger at GReads. Hop on over there and join in the fun! The month of October is all about soundtracks.

I love Bruno Mars. I just heard this single, then I found out that its on the Breaking Dawn soundtrack. This is a great song.

Bruno Mars - It Will Rain

Also, I wouldn't be me if I didn't give a shout out to the Sing-Off again. I know its a singing competition and not necessarily a soundtrack but these guys are awesome. Pentatonix is my new favorite group.

Pentatonix - Love Lockdown

Tell me they aren't awesome! You can't because you would be lying. There is only five of them and this is completely a cappella. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

10.24.2011

This is a weekly challenge for those who are over 16 and enjoy challenging themselves with writing. Each week you are given a prompt. It may be a few connected words, a selection of individual words or a picture. You have 100 words (or the number that have been set for that week) to write a creative piece. Sounds exciting, right?

This week #15 prompt: …the autumn leaves..

To make it a little tougher, this week we only get 50 words! But we can add a pic, so I did.

The crunch of the autumn leaves outside her window startled her awake, alerting her to his presence. As she sat up, stiff, straight in her bed the panic and fear washed over her. He was back; again, to complete what he started.

See, that was fun. If you would like to participate visits Julia's Blog.

She-Ra: The Princess of Power. Not only a Princess but a Princess of POWER. She had a protection sword and rode a unicorn. All my childhood, I wanted to be her. I'm not sure if that counts as an alter-ego but my alter-ego is the master of the universe too (lol). Plus, I just want a unicorn.

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This weeks question is:

Q. What is your favorite type of candy?

Lindt Lindor Truffles! OMGEE, I love these things. And as far as candy goes they only have like 15 carbs per three truffles! Makes me feel a little better about eating these rather than snickers or something. Aww man, now I want some! Tropical Skittles are a close second. (P.S. Pic to the left is all I want for Christmas)

10.20.2011

Write Thoughts is a weekly feature idea I came up with for all my writer friends. Each week there will be a writing question I will pose and answer. This is to connect with other writers, get ideas and writing advice. Feel free to participate in the comments or on your blog. Use the linky tool thingy at the bottom. Here we go!

Today is National Day on Writing. Yes, it is an official nationally recognized day! NCTE established October 20 as The National Day on Writing. Visit the website for more information and ways to get involved.

To mark the day, they have posed this question to the world of writers: Why Do You Write?

Simple answer. I breathe; therefore I write. I couldn't imagine not writing. When I was young in my room all alone, a pen and paper kept me company, entertained me. Writing has always been my outlet. If I had something to say and my shyness got in the way, I was always able to write. If a boy broke my heart or upset me I could express my feelings better on paper than face to face. I'm not a big talker.

The only thing I miss about the single life, is the time I was able to devote to writing. No interruptions, no distractions, just pure writing time. I'd cut the TV off, silence the phone and get lost in my own imagination for hours.

Writing keeps me sane. I swear I have schizophrenic conversations all the time. This character can do this, go there, have this happen. I'm in my own world, just thinking, thinking. And until I put the idea on paper, I'm constantly thinking.

Right now, my problem is execution. I'm in the process of honing my craft. It's not just about the idea, its about sentence structure, dialogue, verb usage and grammar. Because its not just about writing something like in the past, its about writing something good, amazing, outstanding.

Ahem, so back on topic. Why do I write? Because I have to.

I'm interested to hear from other writer about why they write. Answer the question in the comments or if you are doing a blog post for National Day on Writing add it to the link below.

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up.

As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, everyone’s motivations to survive begin to change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life–and death–inside.

Male or Female, I love strong characters. Mentally, physically, strong, especially in paranormal novels. Its just something about the protective male lead characters that I just love. I love the sassy, sarcastic, 'anything he can do I can do better' lead female characters as well, like Rose from Vampire Academy. I love that kick-ass mentality. There must also be a layer of vulnerablity, however, it is only shown in rare, specific situations (usually dealing with the strong male character). As with people (and characters) in general, behind that layer of strength there is more than likely a psychological drama going on with feelings of insecurity or self-doubt or lack of love but those feelings are all on the back burner behind completing the task at hand. I believe this is why I love the BDB series so much. Although the women were lacking, the strong men (ahem, Vampires) were present and on point. Love them!

10.18.2011

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

That Day in September by Artie Van Why

"I want to know why I survived, and others didn't. But I don't. I want it never to have happened. But it did." (page 4)

Tune in Tuesday is hosted by Ginger at GReads. Hop on over there and join in the fun! The month of October is all about soundtracks.

I spend a lot of time watching classic movies. I love everything about them, the manners, the love stories, the glamour. Love Love Love. I swear I was born in the wrong decade. Marilyn Monroe is one of my favorite classic actress to watch.

This week's topic: Top Ten Books I've judged and bought based on their cover art and/or title.

I love a pretty book cover, I tell ya. The cover is the first thing that draws people in so a pretty cover is a must. I'm really disappointed when I love the cover then I read the back and its not something I'm really into. However, sometimes I buy it anyways and give it a chance just because of the cover. Also the title is important too. Some books I've read because the title was catchy or just to be on the level with others discussing this title.

1. Nevermore. I saw the cover and title of this book and loved it before I read what it was about. Luckily, the cover nor the book disappointed.

2. Beautiful Creatures. Loved the cover of this book and its title. I still haven't finished reading it though. The sequels to this book are as equally catching.

3. Betrayal. I loved this cover before I even knew what the book was about. The book was just as good as the cover.

4 & 5. Fallen and Torment. I bought these two strictly for the covers. I just couldn't walk out of the bookstore without these two beautiful books. I still haven't read them yet.

6 & 7. Pride and Prejudice & Wuthering Heights. I was never required to read either of these books in school. I bought them and read them just because these are title classics.

8. The Iron Queen. Same, purchased for its cover. I haven't read it yet because I don't have the first two books. There covers are equally as pretty.

9. Entwined. I want this book. I can't even remember what it is about but isn't the cover pretty.

10. Wicked Lovely. Same as above. Although I do remember what the back of the book said and it sounds good.

I'm a girl and girls love pretty things. Pretty book covers are no exception!

10.17.2011

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Eh. I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I was so excited to read it before I got and began with such great promise. However, somewhere in the middle I fell off the boat. I was no longer feeling it. Let's start with the pros.

This book is very well written. The crafting of the novel, the flow, the dual thoughts of Clay and Hannah. Jay Asher is a great writer and this is a an awesome idea for a book.

Clay is my absolute favorite character. I felt his emotions. I went through every thought with him. Clay is a great person, the kind you would/should make your friend.

Ok, on to the negative. I couldn't connect with Hannah at all. In parts she came off mean. I found myself asking, 'why are you doing this?' 'what is your point?' It was almost like a blame game. Like she was suicidal and needed to justify her suicide by pointing out the actions of her peers. Hannah kind of fell flat. Which was seriously disappointing considering this book is about her. I wanted to cry. I wanted to feel sad. At the end of the book, I wanted to go wow. But none of that happened. I love the idea of this book because the one thing I want to know is the thought of others and what makes them do what they do. By the end of this I just wasn't convinced.

The one thing that keeps the book on a higher standard is that you can't judge what affects people. Just because these problems seem small to us doesn't mean that they are small problems. Its not her 13 reasons that is the problem for me, its the connection to Hannah and her problems. She seemed mad not sad. Rebellious not suicidal.

10.14.2011

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. This weeks featured blog is Confuzzled and the weekly question is:

Q: If you could have characters from a book meet and form an epic storyline with characters from a TV series, which characters would you choose and why?

I would like to see a mashup of Vampire Diaries and Vampire Academy. Vamps only, sorry Elena. I think that would be very interesting. I think Caroline and Lissa would get along but Rose wouldn't like it. Her and Katherine would probably bump heads. And Dimitri and Damon would be interesting combo as well. I don't think they'd get along. But they could all unite to kill Claus.

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This weeks question is:

I don't read too many mystery/horror books. Nevermore had it moments though that sent a few chills up my spine. The whole other realm world and all it entail was definitely spooky. It wasn't really a mystery though, but totally suspenseful. However, I said I was going to read a horror for halloween instead of watching horror movies like I do every year (I'll probably end up doing both). I selected to read The Cell from my hubs extensive Stephen King collection. So I will probably start that this weekend.

Show & Tell: Where do you grab a book and get lost in it? Show us your favorite spot you like to read at.

There are two places I like to read right now. Early Saturday mornings while we have these nice cool fall mornings, I like to go out on my balcony with my oversized cup of coffee or hot tea and read. It is quiet and peaceful. Surprisingly, no one bothers me out there, except my cat. She loves to sit out there too while I'm reading. I love it. Sadly, the mornings are starting to get alittle too cool lately.

Most of the time though, I'm in my room in my bed reading. Only downside, I tend to fall asleep while I'm reading in the bed. I'd prefer the couch but it isn't an option just because someone is always in the livingroom watching TV and I like quiet when I read. I really need a mom cave. :) I am looking into getting a big comfy chair and putting it in my bedroom. That would be awesome. Yes, that is my bear on the bed. Yes, I am 30 and still sleep with it every night. Don't judge me.

Man, times like this I wish I hadn't of broken my digicam. Sorry for the poor quality phone pictures.

10.13.2011

Write Thoughts is a weekly feature idea I came up with for all my writer friends. Each week there will be a writing question I will pose and answer. This is to connect with other writers, get ideas and writing advice. Feel free to participate in the comments or on your blog. Use the linky tool thingy at the bottom. Here we go!

November is coming and you know what that means, NANOWRIMO! So, do you plan to participate in NANOWRIMO this year? If so, have you come up with the idea for your novel? How do you prepare?

For those that don't know NANOWRIMO is an annual novel writing project. It beginning November 1st and he goal is to write a 50,000 words by midnight on the 30th. I haven't participated in the past two years. Most of the time I'm already in the middle of something. I don't want to stop and start something new nor do I want to cheat so I don't participate. However, this year I have several ideas floating around and I've hit a stump on my current work so why not. I'm thinking of going the paranormal route since I've had the idea for a book floating around in my head for months. I realize this is mighty ambitious considering I have never written anything in that genre (not even a short story) and to have to complete it in a month, I'm asking for it. I believe I am up for the challenge.

Lately I've just been writing when I can, fitting in time during the day between other projects. For this, though, I'm determined to complete and complete well so I have to prepare myself, mentally and also prepare my family. I will need uninterrupted writing time at home (Yeah right). I'm also working on my outline for my novel. Though I don't normally outline when I write, I figure it will help tremendously given the short time period.

So, answer the question above about NANOWRIMO either in my comments or on your blog. I'd leave to hear what you have to say!